Owners of Philadelphia restaurant propose Dominican-Asian eatery at 6223 Westfield Avenue in Pennsauken

Sala Nunez and her son Jeffrey told the Pennsauken Township Committee on March 6 they plan to open a second location of their Philadelphia restaurant at 6223 Westfield Avenue, the former site of McCarroll's Deli.

"We have a restaurant in Philadelphia that's been open for about 9 years now," said Sala Nunez, who said the restaurant mixes modern Dominican cuisine with American and Asian influences and hosts live music for special events. She said about 60% of the current customer base is Latino but that patrons come from a range of backgrounds.

The Nunezes said they already have a written contract on the Westfield Avenue property and that their concept will be a restaurant with a bar focused on cocktails rather than a primarily nightlife venue. "It's more of a restaurant than a bar," Sala Nunez said, adding the business will use security staff as needed to check IDs and maintain order.

Committee members welcomed the proposal and asked practical questions about capacity, hours and local ties. Mayor Roberts and other members noted the township's Westfield Avenue corridor has significant pedestrian and business activity and said the township will bolster police presence in that area during warmer months. When asked about hours, the presenters said they expect to open roughly noon to midnight and may adjust weekday hours based on business.

Township staff and a committee member told the presenters they would be connected with planning and zoning staff to begin any required permitting and permitting steps. "They will connect them with the planning and zoning tomorrow to get that process started," said Shaqir Ali (staff), who also advised that permitting and building permits remain necessary before opening.

Community members and committee members offered verbal support during committee comments, highlighting neighborhood interest, parking concerns on Westfield Avenue and enthusiasm for a culturally diverse dining option. The presenters said they are Pennsauken residents and expect to draw customers from the township and nearby Philadelphia.

The transcript does not record any formal approvals or the issuance of licenses at this meeting; the matter was presented as an informational request and the presenters were directed to follow planning and permitting procedures before opening. The Nunezes suggested a target opening in spring (they mentioned April as a possibility) pending the permitting and build-out process.

What's next: Planning and zoning review and municipal permitting. The committee directed staff to connect the owners with the planning and zoning office and to assist with next steps in the approval process.